Valve



Patented Mar. 25, 1947 2,417,994 vALva Herman E. Sheets, St. Paul,Minn.,

St. Paul Foundry Company,

assignor to St. Paul, Minn., a

corporation of Minnesota Application September 14, 1942, Serial No. 458.198

3 Claims.

My invention relates to an improvement in valves, and more specifically in valve combinations in which an ejector or equivalent device is connected to a main valve to facilitate the opera- I tion of the same.

Many valves have previously been constructed in which a pilot valve is used to control the operation of a main valve. I have found that by adding to this combination an ejector or equivalent device having its mixing chamber or mixing nozzle in communication with the main valve, the operation thereof may be greatly facilitated and certain results can be attained which have previously been considered impossible.

The object of the present invention lies in the provision of a main valve having associated therewith an ejector device. This ejector is connected in such a manner to the main valve that the main valve may be operated by controllin the pressure in a chamber by said ejector device. As a result the main valve may be caused to operate positively and quickly. Furthermore the ejector renders the main valve more sensitive than would otherwise be possible due to the greater variation in pressure controlling the main valve.

The particular design of ejector device used depends largely upon the characteristics of the type of fluid with which the valve is to be used. The Reynolds number of the fluid provides the best gauge for determining how efficient the ejector must be. Under similar conditions of pressure, size, and temperature, the fluid with a low viscosity and Within the range of high Reynolds numbers, such as a gas, will require only a relatively inefiicient ejector to produce the necessary pressure difference in the pressure chamber of the valve. Under the same conditions, a fluid with a lower Reynolds number, such as a liquid, will require an ejector of higher efliciency.

An ejector or equivalent device is understood to perform a, certain energy transformation. The

fluid entering the ejector device may have a certain pressure energy and velocity energy at the inlet. At an intermediate location in the ejector device a part of the initial pressure energy is converted into velocity energy with a certain efliclency of energy transformation. There exists at the intermediate location in the ejector device a lower pressure than at the inlet and a higher velocity due to the energy transformation. Downstream of the above location another energy transformation may take place so as to convert the velocity energy back into pressure energy.

This energy transformation may be performed with a certain other efficiency. At the location where the low pressure exists-there is a port so that fluid can be entrained in the ejector device if it is desired to do so. It is evident that a device of the above described type has a certain high pressure at the inlet and generates a certain lower pressure at a location between the inlet and the outlet. It may also generate a third different pressure at the outlet in the event an energy transformation is applied downstream of the lower pressure location. This third pressure will be close to the lower pressure when the above mentioned energy transformation is of low efflciency, and/or a large amount of fluid i entrained; and it can be of a pressure close to the inlet pressure when .the above mentioned energy transformation is of high efliciency and a small amount of fluid is entrained.

It is an object of the present invention to combine a main valve controlled by an ejector with a pilot valve used to control the flow of fluid through the ejector. For example, if the pilot valve is located in the ejector outlet a wide variation of pressures may result in the valve pressure chamber connected to the entraining port. When such a pilot valve is closed, pressure is transmitted from the inlet through the ejector to the entraining port, permitting the valve pressure chamber to be subjected to inlet pressure. However, when this pilot valve is opened. a low pressure will exist in the valve pressure chamber and the entraining port.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a valve which may be controlled by pressure within a pressure chamber. This main valve may either be of the diaphragm type, the piston type, or the bellows type. The pressure chamber controlling the valve is connected to the mixing chamber or mixing nozzle of an ejector so that by passing fluid through the ejector a low pressure or partial vacuum may be created in the mixing space or chamber. As this low pressure or partial vacuum may be communicated to the pressure chamber within the valve, a greater variation in the pressure found in the pressure chamber may be realized.

A further feature of the present invention-lies in the combination of a valve having a pressure chamber controlling the same, and an ejector device associated with this pressure chamber in such a manner that the full pressure of fluid passing through the ejector device may be transmitted to the pressure chamber controlling the may be considerably lower than the pressure on the discharge side of thevalve.

A further important feature of the present invention lies in the use ofa means of creating a low pressure used in conjunction with a main valve. In the past it has commonly been necesprovided to hold the alve member in'proper relation to its seat. A diaphragm ll overlies the valve member I! and is secured thereto. A diaphragmwasher 20 overlies the diaphragm lt-and a valve stem 2| holds these elements in assembled relation. In the construction illustrated a head 22 .is provided on the valve stem 2! to-engage sary to use the pressure of fluid passing through the main valve to move this main valve to one extreme position. With my construction I: may use low pressure to assist movement -of the main valve in one direction, and may use the pressure of fluid traveling through the ejector to assist movement oi; the main valve in the other direction. As a result a positive force is provided to assist movement of the main valve in both its opening and closing movements.

A feature of the present invention hes in the fact that the valves may be reversible in operation if desired. I have found that a pair of identlcal'opposed nozzles may form an ejector capable of operating by a flow of fluid in either direction,

if these nozzles are properly spaced and proportioned. This is due to the tendency for the fluid stream to further constrict in diameter after leaving a nozzle, "thus permitting the constricted stream of fl'uid entering the opposed nozzle to entrain fluid from a mixing space between the nozzles.

. A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision, if desired, of a valve to regulate the speed of flow of fluid into, or from, the ejector or to close the main valve may be adJusted.

A further feature of the present invention lies against the diaphragm washer andthe upper portion of the valve stem'is threaded at 23 to I permit lock nuts 24 to clamp the valve member, diaphragm and diaphragm washer in assembled relation.

The valve stem 2| extends into ano p ening 26 v in a guide or hearing boss 28 on thevalvebody.

A passage 21 is provided through this boss 28 to prevent liquid from being trapped within the opening and making of the stem -2l The valve cover 29 is connected the valve' body I by cap screws 30 or other-suitable means. These cap screws may extend through the marginal' edges of the diaphragm, I! to clamp the diaphragm marginally between the valve body and its cover. Thus 'a chamber 3! is providedabove the diaphragm l9 which is'separated from the fluid within the valve body by the diaphragm. I The elbow element 32 is provided within the valve body It near the valve inlet designed to scoop a certain'amount of fluid from. the inlet.

device. By this means the time required to open This elbow 32 is connected through the tubular pipe or connection to the valve 34. In the form illustrated the valve 34 is a metering valve or needle valve designed to meter the flow of fluid through the connection 33. The valve 34 is shown as including a meter valve stem II operated by a suitable knob or operating wheel 38. The pointed section 31 of the valve stem 2! acts to meter the flow of fluid into the tubular connection 39.

in the provision, if desired, ofregulating valve" means which may be used to hold the main valve in any desired position. This regulating valve means is capable of holdingthe main valve in open position, closed position, or any intermediate position. p

An added feature of the present invention consists in the fact that the pilot fluid operating in the pressure chamber of the valve is entirely separated from the-fluid flowing through the valve. This makes it possible to use one fluid forthe pilot system in order to controlanother fluid in the main valve.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set the ejector and control valves aresupported integrally with the valve casing. v

The valve A illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings includes an inlet l0 and an outlet II. A ported partition, I: supporting the valve seat I3 is provided within the valve casing ll between the inlet and the outlet. The construction is such that the fluid passing through the main 7 valve must pass throughthe valve seat I3.

The connection 39 is secured to one end of the ejector which is designated in general by the numeral 40. The ejector 40 in the form illustrated comprises a T-shaped body ll including an inlet end 42, an outlet end 43, and a mixing chamber connecting end 44. A threaded nipple I 45 is shown as extending into the inlet end 42,

and an inlet nozzle 46 is engaged within the inner end of the nipple 45. This inlet nozzle 40 is provided with a tapering passage 41 therethrough so as to restrict the liquid so that it must flow through a relatively small orifice at a v relatively high rate of speed. This changes some of the pressure 'energy of the fluid to velocity pressure with a resulting efficiency of energy transformation. A lowering of pressure in the mixing chamber results. -An outlet nipple 48 is provided in the end 43 of the T-shaped body ll and an outlet nozzle 50 is engaged within this nipple 48. The outlet nozzle 50 is preferably provided with an outwardly tapering passage II therethrough, this passage 5| being preferably of greater diameter, at its inlet orifice than the diameter of the outlet end of the inlet nozzle 46. As a result when the connection through the outlet nozzle 50 is open the fluid may flow from the inlet nozzle out through the outlet nozzle causing a low pressure or partial vacuum in the mixing chamber 52 within the body 4|.

A tubular pipe or connection 53 is provided between the mixing chamber connection 44 and the cover 29 of the valve, this tubular connection 53 bringing into communication the mixing A valve member ordisc retainer I5 is provided with a disc or ring l6 designed to engage against chamber 52 of the ejector and the chamber 3! above the diaphragm. Thus a reduction in presthe valve seat ll. Valve guides II are preferably 76 sure within-the mixing chamber '52 will causea possible proper operation corresponding reduction in pressure in the chamber 3|.

A tubular pipe or connection 34 connects the nipple 43 with the valve 33. This valve 33 operates as a pilot valve to control the operation of the main valve in a manner which will be hereinafter set forth in detail, The valve 33 may be of any suitable type and may constitute a hand operated valve or electrically operable valve such as a solenoid valve. 4

The valve 33 is connected by the pipe or conduit 33 to the metering valve 31. This valve 31 includes a T-shaped casing 33 enclosing a valve stem 33 having a pointed end 3i, By rotation of the knob 32 the stem 33 may be rotated to move the pointed end 3| nearer to or farther from its seat, thus regulating the flow of fluid through this valve 3I. The valve body 51 is also connected by a tubular connection 33 to an outlet elbow 34 which is preferably turned in the direction of flow of the liquid. Thus the flow of liquid through the outlet I I of the main valve will tend to draw liquid from the elbow 34 and the pipe or connection 33.

In the operation of the valve A we may assume V that the main valve is open, the valve disc or ring I3 being spaced from its seat I3. At such a time, the valve 55 is open. Assuming now that the valve 35 is closed, it will be seen that the liquid traveling through the elbow 32, the connection 33, the valve 34, the connection 33, the inlet nozzle 43 and the connection 53 will build up pressure within the chamber 3i tending to close the main valve. The inlet pressure will be built up throughout the entire area of the upper surface of the diaphragm I3 so that the valve will close. A portion of the undersurface of this diaphragm is subjected only to exhaust pressure or to back pressure of the fluid passing through the outlet I I.

When it is desired to open the main valve the pilot valve 55 is opened, allowing the fluid to flow through both nozzles of the ejector 43. A low pressure or partial vacuum is created in the mixing chamber 52 and thus in the pressure chamber 3| so that the fluid pressure on the lower side of the valve will open this valve. It should be noted that the diaphragm will open not only by the fluid pressure, but also by the reduction in pressure within the pressure chamber M.

The metering valves 34 and 51 act to regulate the speed with which the main valve is opened or closed. As the flow through the ejector is decreased by partially closing the valve 34 the speed with which the main valve is closed may be decreased, Similarly by partially closing the valve 5'! the speed with which liquid may be drawn from the chamber 3i is decreased, thus slowing down the opening action of the main valve.

The valve B includes a valve body 35 comprising a tubular conduit having ends 33 and 31. Either of these ends may comprise the inlet end whiie the other end serves as the outlet end of the device. Intermediate the ends 33 and 3'! I provide a ported partition 33, which includes a valve seat I3 which may be engaged by a valve member 'II. The valve member II is shown provided with a valve disc or sealing element 12 designed to engage the valve seat 13, and guides 13 are provided on the lower surface of the valve member. In order to guide the valve memher into engagement with its seat, a valve stem 14, having a head 15 extends through a diaphragm washer I3, a diaphragm TI, and the valve member II. A lock nut or other fastening means 13 holds the above listed elements in assembled relation. The valve stem 14 may extend into a bearing or aperture 33 within a boss II of the valve body 33 so that the valve stem may act as a guide for the valve member. A passage 32 communicates between the lower end of the aperture 33 and the interior of the valve so as to relieve unequal pressure surrounding the valve stem.

A cover 33 is mounted upon the valve body 33, this cover being held in place by cap screws or other means not shown in the drawings, The cover 33 is provided with a central upwardly extending body portion 34 designed to support certain valves and. passages as will now be described. An elbow 33 may be threaded into the valve body 33 near the end 33. A passage 33 communicates with the passage through the elbow 33 and extends vertically in the body portion 34. A needle valve or metering valve 31 is provided with a threaded portion 33 adjustably mounted in the body portion 34 and the pointed end 33 of the valve 31 regulates the flow of fluid through the passage 33. An adjusting knob 3| is provided to permit adjustment in the position of the valve 31.

An elbow 32 may be threadedinto the valve body 35 adjacent the end 31 thereof. A passage '33 extends upwardly through the body portion 34 in communication with the opening through the elbow 32. A needle valve 34 is threaded into the body portion 34 and the pointed end 35 thereof is designed to regulate the flow through the passage 33. An adjusting knob 33 is provided on the valve 34 to permit adjustment thereof. I

A transverse passage extends through the body portion 34 connecting the passages 33 and 33. This transverse passage includes a small diameter end portion 91, a slightly larger diameter portion 39, and a still larger diameter portion will. The portion 33 is designed to accommodate the ejector nozzle I3l having a tapering passage therethrough which tapers from substantially the diameter of the passage 31 to a relatively small diameter. The larger diameter portion I33 of the passage is designed to accommodate the ejector nozzle I32 and the sleeve I33. The nozzle portion I32 has a tapered opening therethrough identical in shape to the opening through the nozzle IN, and the sleeve I33 is provided to bush the passage I33 down to the size of the passage 37 so that the structure is identical on both ends. Plugs I34 and I35 close the ends of the transverse passage.

Valves I33 and I3! of any suitable type are provided in the passage 31 and in the passage through the sleeve I33, respectively. In the form shown the valves I33 and I3! are provided with tapered plungers I33 and H3 which may entirely close the transverse passage on either side of the ejector or may entirely open this passage. Only one of these valves is necessary for operation of the ejector in one direction, but if it is desired that the valve be reversible for operation by a flow of fluid in either direction two valves as shown are preferable.

A by-pass 38 connects the large diameter end of the ejector nozzle I3I with the passage 31 the valve to the ejector, regardless of the direction of flow of the. liquid through the valve.

pilot valves controlling the discharge from the of exposed to the static'and dynamic forces of i said fluid flow. a pressure chamber to which the These check valves "and 88 will not,'however, 5 permits. flow of fluid from ,the ejector unless the- .eiector are open. Thesuction chamber. 112 of the el tor. between thenozzles lflland I82 is Y a connected by her [It above the diaphragm.

In operation the fluidmay enter the inlet end 88 and exert pressure against the central portion of the valve member 'H raising the diaphragm a passage III to apressurecham- I other side of said valve member is exposed for con- .trolling the movement of-said valve member, an 'eiector connected to said pressure chamber to control the pressure therein. a pilot valve on each side of said elector, a by-passaround each said pilot valve and a check'valve in each said by- *2. A we structure including a valve body having a passage through whiohfluid may flow, a

valve member movable in said body. operable to e and allowingfluid to flow out of the end .81. In

this event both of the valves l8! and I88 open. However, if the valves"! .and Ill are the passage 'l8,.the nozzle I82, the chamber 2,

osed fluid will flow through the elbow '88, the passage. 88-,the 'sleeve "IL-the checigvalve-fl.

' member, and an ejector connected in parallel with the passage H I. and into the chamber 8 above the diaphragm 'I'I. "'The'chamber III one with fluid under inlet' pressure until the diaphragm TI is forced downwardly to close the valve. The

valve remains closed. as long as. the' valves I08 and I0! are closed. 4

- Upon opening the valves ms and m fluid is f allowed to flow through both ejector nozzles I01;

and I02, causing a reduction in pressure in the mixing chamber H2 and transmitting this reduced pressure into the chamber 118.; .The pressure of the fluid at the inletand the reduced pressure in the chamber 118 thenraises the valve member I I, allowing fluid to flow through the end 61 of the valve. The time: required to open andclose the valve is regulated b the needle valves '81 and 9.4. A similar action takes place when the end 61 of the valve acts as the inlet. Both the valves 106 and I01 may always. operate in unison, as fluid from the inlet may always flow to the ejector past one of the check valves 88 or 98. Thus the pilot valves I08 and 10'! incombination with the check valves 88 and 98 control the operation of the vmain'valvein such a way:

that the pressure chamber H8 holds the main."

valve closed if the higher inlet pressure is at the end 66 or at the end 81 andieven when the inlet pressure change from the end 88 to the -end 81 and vice versa'." By closing the valves 81 and 84 the location of the diaphragm' can be flxed in any desiredposition. Then the valve is'adjustable-for variable'pressure and capacity on its delivery side.

In accordance with the described the principles of construction and oporation of my valves, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof,'. and

patent statutes, I have have shown various combinations of elements, I

desire to have it understood that other combinations of these elements could be used; and that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A valve comprising a -valve'body throughwhich fluid may now, a valve seat between the ends of said body, a valve member engageablel ag'ainst said-seat and having one side only therefile of this patent:

' Number.

Number. 90 y is exposed controlling the movement of said valve said valve passage and operable by the flow 'of fluid ineither'direction'connected to said pres--v sure chamber to control the pressure therein.

3."A valve structure including a valve body having a passage through which fluid may flow, a

valve membermovable in'said body operable to close the passage therethrough-and having one.

side only thereof exposed to the static and dynamic forces of said fluid flow, a'pressure chamber to which the other side of said valve member is exposed controlling the movement of said valve member, an ejector connected in parallel with said valve passage and operable by the flow of fluid in either direction connected to said-pressure chamber tocontrol the pressure therein, and pilot valve means in series with said elector controlling the flow of fluid to and from said ejector.

- HERMAN manna rs.-

ans-muons CITED '1 The-following references are ofrecord in the UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date 1,814,206 2,291,731"" Lake Aug. 18,1940 Goldberg Nov. 22, 1938 McKee Nov.- 1,1932 Gulland Aug. 2, 1898 Bowman Oct. 20, 1908 Putman M'ay'l, 1935 Beggs Apr. 8, 1924 Gullck May 6, 1919 Gale Nov. 3', 1896 971,934 Siegrist Oct. 4, 1910 2,235,304 Toussaint Mar. 18, 1941 Y [FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date British Aug. 16, 1940 German Feb. 28, 1936 French 1904 British Nov. 8,1894

. French Mar. 25, 1925 British Apr,.26, 1894 French Oct. 31, 1904 Donkin July 14, 1931 

